Denison University strives to be an exemplary steward of our natural world and a leader in sustainability. We take an intentionally multi-disciplinary approach to sustainability that balances environmental, economic and social responsibility. We believe that our approach to sustainability will support the well being of the college and the global community beyond. Our commitment to sustainability runs deep. Academic research, strategic investments in infrastructure and human resources, student-centered programming, plus community partnerships are central to our efforts. Whether in the classroom, the Licking County community or a country halfway around the globe, Denison students, staff and faculty lead by example. Together, we share a vision of a healthy future where people and the planet thrive.

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Green Student Organizations

Go Green, Big Red!

At Denison, there are many students that are dedicated to upholding the values of a sustainable lifestyle.

There are many student-led organizations that work to promote different facets of responsible living both on campus and in the local community. The aims of these groups include greater awareness of local and global issues, environmental education initiatives, and experiential learning about organic farming practices.

Helping Hands, Garden of Hope

Helping Hands, Garden of Hope is a student organization that promotes urban gardening among youth. Funded by a grant from the city of Newark, Denison students work with girls who are mandated by Juvenile Court to do community service by helping to maintain the community garden. Their work includes planting, weeding and watering. They must also keep journals about the process of growth and their experiences at the garden.

A select number of Denison students are funded as summer interns to create curriculum that promotes organic gardening and healthy lifestyle choices for girls from the juvenile delinquent program. Harvesting takes place in the fall, and the food is distributed to a local food pantry. The winter months are spent planning for the next year and preparing start-up gardening kits for the residents surrounding the garden.

Green Team

The Green Team was founded in 2006 by Environmental Studies students. The organization works to promote environmental awareness on campus, and meets weekly to discuss how to facilitate environmental consciousness and sustainable living at Denison. Activities include a Recyclable Fashion Show, Earth Day activism, and speakers from both the Denison faculty and national organizations. In addition, educational initiatives include making posters to spread awareness, creating a DU Green Guide to provide information on environmental topics and consumer choices, and various recycling and energy campaigns to involve the campus community.

The Denison University Recycling Program (D.U.R.P.), which was started in 1984 to raise awareness about recycling and provide recycling bins across campus, was folded into the Green Team in 2010. The two organizations now operate as one.

OrgSync

Denison Environmental Education & Mentoring Program

The Environmental Education and Mentorship Program is a student organization promoting children's appreciation of and curiosity about their surrounding natural environment. The group works in partnership with the Granville Recreation Commission to educate children through interactive learning. Activities include hiking, marking trails, exploring the native flora and fauna, and planting trees for Arbor Day at Spring Valley Nature Reserve.

People Endorsing Agricultural Sustainability

The mission of People Endorsing Agricultural Sustainability (PEAS) is to provide student opportunities for experiential education in agriculture and collaboration with local farmers, as well as to generate broader awareness of and advocacy for local food systems in the Denison and Granville communities.

Founded by two students in 2009, PEAS visits various local farmsnear Granville and throughout Ohio. In addition, PEAS is involved in the coordination, planning, and establishment of the Denison Community Garden, the Curtis Roof-Top Garden which supplies herbs to the dining halls, and the Bird's Haven CSA for students and faculty, among other yearly events.

In the future, PEAS is hoping to recruit more interested students, expand the Curtis Roof-Top Garden, and continue to spread awareness about where our food comes from and the necessity for sweeping changes in the national and global agricultural system.